20 Wonderful Day Trips From Istanbul: Your 2024 Guide

There are lots of incredible day trips from Istanbul you may want to consider if you are planning a trip to Turkey’s largest city. Istanbul is great.

But sometimes you just want to escape the concrete jungle and get away to beautiful beaches, quaint traditional villages, and gorgeous hiking trails that await nearby. Fortunately, there are day trips from Istanbul to suit every taste and interest.

Public transport in this part of Turkey is also generally excellent. Buses and ferries connect Istanbul with other major Turkish cities like Bursa and Izmir, as well as rural settlements scattered along the Black Sea coast.

This article has been written by a British Travel Writer based in nearby Athens Greece. I have personally visited each of the destinations below on various trips to Turkey over the years, and have shared practical info on how to plan a trip to each one.

Best Day Trips from Istanbul

An overview of some of the best day trips from Istanbul that you may want to consider in 2024 is detailed below. For each option, you will find information on how to make the journey independently and how to do so via a guided tour.

Many reputable local tour companies operate in and around Istanbul. They offer both small group and independent tours and this can often work out around the same price as trying to get somewhere by yourself.

Not to mention, it takes a lot of the stress out of figuring out how to get from A to B, and means that you aren’t standing around waiting for buses, etc. Touring with a professional tour guide also means that you gain more information and context about the various sights you see than you could ever get if you are wandering around alone.

Şile and Ağva

Şile is an idyllic fishing village perched on the Black Sea coast just 58km away from Istanbul. The village is a popular getaway destination among locals who venture out of Istanbul to swim in Şile’s cerulean waters and relax on its secluded beaches.

Take a walk to the Şile port (Limani) and enjoy a pleasant stroll by the seafront. Many of the fishing boats docked here have been converted into eccentric restaurants and serve up some of the freshest seafood in the region.

Look out for the Şile Feneri (lighthouse), and the Şile Kalesi (castle). The former was built during the Ottoman Empire and is the second-largest lighthouse in Europe.

Want to venture further off the beaten path? Head to the nearby beach town of Ağva.

There are some lovely beaches here – including the golden sand Ağva beach and Sahilkoy beach.

Getting to Şile and Ağva

There is no direct connection from Istanbul to Şile and Ağva. The easiest way to reach the coastal towns is to first take a ferry to Üsküdar from the ports of Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş or Eminönü.

From there, take a taxi or the 139/139A bus to Şile and Ağva. Buses depart every hour between Şile and Üsküdar.

The entire journey takes about 3.5 hours each way. There are a range of accommodation options in both Ağva and Şile if you want to break up the journey and stay overnight.

Yalova Thermal Springs

The various hammams and traditional Turkish bathhouses in Istanbul are nice places to indulge. Hammams are Turkish-style saunas where you can sweat it out in a steam room before treating yourself to a massage and other spa treatments.

If you want to take your R&R one step further though, you can take a wonderful day trip out to the Yalova thermal springs.

The marble baths here were built by Byzantine Emperors thousands of years ago. The decadent spa facility is nestled in the woodlands with grounds fit for a King.

The thermal mineral waters here are said to cure ailments, aches, and pains.

Getting to Yalova on a day trip from Istanbul

Direct buses run hourly between Istanbul Otogar and Yalova once per day. The journey takes an hour and fifteen minutes.

Termal

The town of Termal awaits in the Yalova province of Turkey. Termal itself may seem to be “just another” Turkish town.

However, it is the nature around it that is the main draw to this place. You can use the town as a base to hike to the nearby Sudusen waterfall and Harmankaya Nature Park.

The Yalova Ataturk mansion belonged to Turkey’s beloved Ataturk who would use this house as a base when he visited the nearby thermal baths. Today it has been converted into a museum detailing the history of his life.

A trip to Termal can be combined with a visit to the nearby Yalova baths. If you want to visit the area at a more relaxed pace, you may also want to consider staying overnight in a charming local lodge or guesthouse.

Getting to Termal

There is no direct bus from Istanbul to Termal. You need to take a bus from Istanbul Otogar to Yalova, and from there take a cab to Termal.

Kilyos

Kilyos is a lovely seaside town in the Sariyer district of greater Istanbul. If you find that you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get away to a more laid-back beach town for a day or two then Kilyos is the perfect place to do just that.

The beaches and coves of Kilyos provide all the amenities needed for a slice of rest and relaxation. The area is also popular for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and waterskiing.

Many of the restaurants in Kilyos specialise in meze platters. These are small dishes of a variety of different foods.

In some ways, you could compare them to Spanish tapas. The idea of meze is that you order lots of small plates to share with your travel companions. Think fresh olives, marinated meats, local cheeses, and homemade bread, etc.

Getting to Kilyos

Lovely Kilyos is less than 40km away from Istanbul. Making this journey by public transport is easy enough.

You can take a bus or a ferry boat from Istanbul to Sarıyer. From Sariyer, take bus 151 to Kilyos.

Cappadocia

The ethereal landscapes of Cappadocia look like something from another planet. The vast plains filled with fairy chimneys and rock houses are just waiting to be explored.

One of the most memorable experiences that you can have in Turkey is taking to the skies in Cappadocia in a hot air balloon and watching the sunrise over the horizon. Balloons aside, Cappadocia has so much to offer.

You could easily spend an entire weekend here hiking, visiting traditional villages, and venturing into mysterious underground cities. It is advisable to book your hot air balloon ride online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Getting to Cappadocia from Istanbul

The easiest way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul is to fly. Pegasus and Turkish Airlines both run frequent domestic routes between the two cities. It takes an hour to reach Cappadocia by plane compared to more than eleven hours by bus.

Notable Cappadocia Tours

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight
Highlights of Cappadocia Tour with Lunch
Full Day Green Cappadocia Tour with Trekking
Cappadocia Full Day Red Tour
Cappadocia Full Day Blue Tour

The Princes Islands

The Princes Islands are a special place – especially if you are someone that enjoys immersing themselves in nature. The islands form a stunning archipelago that floats in the sea of Marmara.

They are approximately an hour away from Istanbul. Cars are prohibited on the Princes Islands so people get around on foot, bicycle, or by horse.

Venturing here feels like travelling back in time. The narrow winding streets of the islands’ villages are filled with beautifully ornate Victorian houses and engulfed by pine forests.

It’s understandable why so many Istanbulites travel out here to get away from it all. This is a popular day trip from Istanbul during the summer months but in the winter, these islands are virtually void of tourists.

Buyukada

Buyukada is the largest of the Princes Islands. There are a few grand old houses, stores, and coffee shops near the port.

However, most of the island consists of woodlands and scenic hiking trails leading through peaceful farms and trees. Don’t miss the hike up to the Greek Orthodox Monastery, or a stop by the creepy abandoned orphanage that awaits in the middle of the forest.

Heybeliada Island

Heybeliada Island is another of the Princes Islands well worth a visit if you have the opportunity to take day trips from Istanbul. It has a more homely feel than Buyukada and its coastlines are filled with beautiful beaches.

Getting to the Princes Islands

Boats depart to the Princes Islands every day from Kabataş port. You can take an IDO fast boat, or a ferry operated by Şehir Hatları.

Ferries to Buyukada and the other Princes islands run more frequently than the fast boats. The journey takes approximately 100 minutes. Try to board one of the earliest ferries to make the most of your time on the islands.

Suggested Princes Island Tours

Belgrad Ormani

Belgrad Ormani translates to “Belgrade forest”. This is a beautiful place to get back to nature without venturing too far from Istanbul.

This secluded forest spans over 5000 acres and features dozens of wonderful hiking trails. They lead travellers through scenic woodlands, past streams, dams, and the crumbling remnants of historic sites and ruins from the Ottoman empire.

Getting to Belgrad Ormani

It is a little tricky to get to Belgrad Ormani unless you have access to a car. It takes around 35 minutes to drive to the forest from Istanbul.

The easiest public transport route to Belgrad Ormani is to take the metro to Darussafaka. From there, take a taxi for the remainder of the journey.

A cab from Darussafaka to Belgrad Ormani should cost no more than $5-$7. Be prepared to haggle though, as cab drivers are notorious for trying to overcharge tourists if they think you don’t know the going rates.

Konya

Konya is a conservative city in the heart of central Turkey. At first glance, Konya may look like a place of strict religious practice, tightly affixed headscarves, and somewhere that has little to offer tourists.

Scratch beneath the surface and you find one of the most wonderful, off-the-beaten-path Turkish cities. The markets and souks of Istanbul may feel a little artificial and touristy.

However, in beautiful Konya, you can spend hours getting lost among the winding streets of marketplaces where the locals actually shop for their fresh produce and supplies. Drink a cup of hot salep and order up a traditional Konya lamb kebab with onions at one of the many local eateries.

Konya is renowned for its ties with Mevlana – also known as the poet Rumi and the founder of Sufism. The original whirling dervishes come from Konya.

It is possible to watch a free whirling dervish dance performance every Saturday behind the Mevlana Museum. If you want to discover the city with a local, you can consider taking a guided Konya city tour.

Getting to Konya

Konya is more than 600 miles away from Istanbul. It is better to stay overnight if your schedule permits.

It takes an hour to reach Konya by domestic flight. Night buses are also a popular option. Buses depart from Istanbul Otogari three times a day. The journey takes ten hours.

Troy

The Turkish town of Troy is famed as supposedly being the spot where Greek soldiers hid inside a wooden Trojan horse and were able to sneak into the city for a surprise ambush. The story is featured in Homer’s epic Iliad.

Nobody is certain as to whether the story holds any truth or not. Regardless, Troy makes a fascinating day trip from Istanbul nonetheless.

The settlements at Troy date back over 5000 years and this land has passed hands through various different civilisations over the centuries. The city has deep roots in magic and Greek mythology and the crumbling ancient walls of the town and the temple of Athena are interesting to explore.

Getting to Troy

The easiest way to get to Troy from Istanbul is to take the bus to Canakkale. The journey takes approximately six hours from Istanbul.

From Canakkale, take a dolmus (minibus) to Troy. The dolmus takes 45 minutes.

Recommended Troy Tours

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

A Bosphorus cruise is a nice way to see a lot of Istanbul and its surroundings, especially if you have a limited amount of time to spend in Turkey. You can take a half-day or a full-day Bosphorus cruise tour

A full-day Bosphorous Strait tour takes travellers all the way out to the Black Sea. The atmosphere on the night tours is especially charming.

You can watch on as the sun sets behind the Istanbul skyline and the city streets are illuminated with hundreds of twinkling lights.

Keep your eyes peeled for notable landmarks as you go. The Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi palace, and other historical sites are visible from the water.

Suggested Bosphorus Tours

Bosphorus tours are one of the most popular things to do in Istanbul. There are countless operators that provide regular tours along the river. Some recommended Bosphorus tours are detailed below.

The Battlefields of Gallipoli

The Gallipoli – Dardanelles battlefields are now a protected national park in Turkey. Today, the site is covered with wildflowers and majestic pine forests.

However, more than 100 years ago, it was the site of a bloody and ferocious World War I battle for control of the Dardanelles. Gallipoli is one of the best day trips from Istanbul if you have a strong interest in history.

The battlefields cover a region of more than 35km and boast numerous hiking trails within this peninsula. The Çanakkale Epic Presentation Center contains a number of historical exhibitions and tells the story of what happened at Gallipoli.

Getting to Gallipoli

There is no direct route from Istanbul to Gallipoli. This day trip is easier if you have access to a car, or if you can combine a trip to the gorgeous Gallipoli peninsula with nearby Troy and Canakkale.

To reach Gallipoli by public transport, you can take a bus from Istanbul Otogar to Gelibolu. This part of the journey takes around six hours. From Geliboli, take a cab to Gallipoli for the remaining thirty minutes of the journey.

Recommended Gallipoli Tours

Gallipoli Day Tour from Istanbul

Izmir

It is hard not to fall in love with the coastal city of Izmir. The city is an underrated gem.

Izmir is also home to several historic and Roman ruins, including the ancient agora nestled in the city centre. Its historic centre boasts stunning views out to the Aegean Sea, and an intricate network of winding passageways and serpentine souks that hide eclectic tea rooms and quirky boutique stores.

Izmir’s location means that it is a little further afield. In terms of day trips from Istanbul, it is better to organise an internal flight and stay in Izmir overnight.

Getting to Izmir

Domestic flights run regularly between Istanbul and Izmir. The journey takes an hour.

There are also direct buses that run every thirty minutes from Istanbul Otogar to Izmir. Travelling to Izmir by bus takes approximately eight hours. Your best option is to stay overnight in Izmir and combine this excursion with a trip to Ephesus.

Edirne

Erdine has plenty to offer travellers willing to venture a little off the beaten path. This ancient city was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire.

It is home to numerous fortresses, ornate mosques that date back centuries, and several other historic sites. Erdine’s beautiful Selimiye Mosque was constructed in the 1500s and is well worth a visit.

It has all the grandeur and elegance of Istanbul’s blue mosque but without the crowds. Erdine also houses an excellently preserved old town (“Kaleiçi”).

Here you will find gorgeous grand 18th, 19th, and 20th-century houses. Many of these have been lovingly restored and renovated as traditional restaurants and quirky antique and vintage stores.

Getting to Erdine

The best way to get to Erdine by public transport is to take the bus. Buses depart from Istanbul Otogari every two hours and the journey takes around five hours.

Çanakkale

Çanakkale is a charming little seaside town in the Marmara region of Turkey. The town is often seen purely as being the last stopping point on the way to Troy but the reality is that Çanakkale is far more than that.

Çanakkale feels like a quainter, more compact version of Istanbul. The large student population that resides here means that Çanakkale is home to dozens of quirky coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.

All of these gorgeous places overlook the waters of the Dardanelles, making for a perfect scenic lunch spot. Pose for photos in front of the replica trojan horse in the centre of town and enjoy getting lost among the winding narrow streets filled with tea rooms and spice shops.

Getting to Canakkale

Buses for Canakkale depart hourly from Istanbul. The journey takes approximately six hours each way.

Bursa

The largest concentration of temples and religious sites in Turkey is in Bursa. Ferries and high-speed catamarans lead across the water from Istanbul’s Ortakoy port to Bursa several times per day.

This makes Bursa one of the easiest day trips from Istanbul to enjoy. It is often referred to as Yeşil Bursa or “Green Bursa” on account of its natural beauty and the dramatic backdrop against the Olympus mountains.

Getting to Bursa

Ferries from Istanbul to Bursa depart three times a day. It takes approximately 90 minutes to cross the Sea of Marmara to Bursa.

You will arrive in Güzelyalı. From here, you can hop onboard the yellow city Bus 1-GY to continue your onward journey in Bursa. You can also take the train to the city centre from the Bursaray Emek station.

Recommended Bursa Tours

Kilitbahir Fortress

The gigantic, incredibly well-preserved Kilitbahir Fortress lies on the opposite side of the Dardanelles to Çanakkale. The fortress was built by Sultan Mehmet in 1463 as part of a huge defensive project to defend the waters leading toward Istanbul.

The Çanakkale fortress on the opposite side of the water was built at the same time. Taking a tour of the Kilitbahir Fortress provides interesting insight into how the site played such a crucial defensive role in Turkish history.

Climb up to the fortress ramparts just before the sun sets. From up here, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views over the strait of the Dardanelles.

It should be noted that the town of Kilitbahir itself does not offer an awful lot besides the fortress. Many just admire its grandeur from a boat on the Dardanelles as they take day trips from Istanbul to Çanakkale and Troy.

However, Kilitbahir is home to a large port. So, if you are already visiting Çanakkale, you can take a short trip across the water to see the fortress if their schedule permits.

Anadolu Kavağı

Anadolu Kavağı is a quaint little fishing village that is situated at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. Its location means that it is technically still within the city limits of Istanbul.

However, the contrast in the atmosphere here is phenomenal. Filled with wooden houses and 700-year-old trees, Anadolu Kavağı’s narrow streets and passageways transport visitors back in time

There are two historic castles located here that are well worth visiting. Namely, Yoros Castle, and Genoa Castle.

A winding passageway through the wooded scenery leads visitors up Yusa hill and towards Gizli Bahçe. This is “the secret garden” and the highest point in the city. From here you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas out across the Black Sea.

Getting to Anadolu Kavagi

Anadolu Kavağı’s location makes it perfect for day trips from Istanbul. The village can be reached overland by public transport.

However, arguably the most scenic way to get there is by taking a boat down the Bosphorus from Eminönü port. The ferry departs at 10:35 am daily and returns at 3 pm, leaving plenty of time for exploration and lunch.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Turkey. The name Pamukkale means “cotton candy” in Turkish.

This is a perfect description of the site’s ethereal landscapes. Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces are reminiscent of white fluffy clouds.

At first glance, the site may look like rolling hills covered in soft white snow. However, the travertines here are formed by sediments from the nearby thermal pools.

Pamukkale is situated at the base of Hierapolis. This is an ancient Greek and Roman city that was built around the natural thermal springs in the area.

It is said that the Roman baths were a gift from Anthony to Cleopatra. Cleopatra was rumored to have been very ugly before taking a swim in their waters and being transformed into someone incredibly beautiful.

It’s worth dipping your foot in to see if it has the same impact, right? What remains of Hierapolis is incredibly well preserved and includes a sprawling Roman amphitheater and a Roman graveyard.

Getting to Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a long way away from Istanbul. The fastest option is to fly to Denzili and then take a dolmus to Pamukkale.

You can also take an 11-hour night bus and then a dolmus. It is best to stay overnight if you want to visit Pamukkale. The travertines can be tied in with a trip to Ephesus and Izmir.

Suggested Pamukkale Tours

Iznik

The city of Iznik is steeped in history and culture. Its roots date back as far as 300 BC.

Iznik was formerly known as Nicaea. This was an artisanal city whose craftsmen created beautifully ornate tiles.

Many of the early residents of Iznik came from Iran, thus contributing a unique culture and architectural influence to the area. There are several mosques and historic sites in Iznik that are well worth visiting.

The beautiful mosque of Yeşil Cami has been created in royal hues of blue and turquoise reflecting its Persian influence. The Aya Sofya mosque and the crumbling remnants of the old Roman settlement here should also not be missed.

Getting to Iznik

The city of Iznik can easily be enjoyed on a day trip from Istanbul. The best way to reach Iznik is to take a boat from Ortakoy across to Yalova, and then take a bus to Iznik.

Ephesus

The Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus are a highlight of any traveller’s adventures through Turkey. They are situated just a stone’s throw away from Izmir.

The city was founded in the 10th century BC and then eventually abandoned in the 15th century. It is only 20% excavated.

So, it is exciting to imagine what else still awaits beneath the surface! Even though the city hasn’t been completely excavated, it is the most well-preserved Roman metropolis in Europe.

Ephesus boasts impressive temples, marble pillars, and Roman promenades lined with sculptures and statues. The ruins here are so expansive that you can dedicate an entire day to exploring the various buildings and temple complexes.

Getting to Ephesus

The bus from Istanbul to Ephesus takes between 9 and 12 hours depending on the specific provider/route. It is better to take the overnight bus to avoid wasting a day of your Turkey itinerary taking transport. It is better to stay overnight and combine a trip to Ephesus with nearby Izmir.

Suggested Ephesus Tours

If you prefer to do an Ephesus day tour, a selection of reputable options is detailed below. Book your place online in advance to avoid disappointment!

FAQs on the Best Day Trips to Take from Istanbul

Do you have any further questions or concerns about which day trips to take from Istanbul? The answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic are detailed below.

Hopefully, you will find the information you are looking for there. If not, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!

What cities to visit from Istanbul?

You can easily visit the Turkish cities of Izmir and Bursa from Istanbul. Both take just a couple of hours to get to.

You could technically also travel from Istanbul to the cultural city of Konya. But it’s a bit of a trek and takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes each way.

If you want to visit Konya (and you should!), it is better to stay overnight.

Can you do a day trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia?

You can theoretically do a day trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia if you are willing to wake up super early, fly to Cappadocia, spend a couple of hours exploring, and then head back to the airport.

But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. You will spend a huge portion of your day traveling and waiting at airports.

Even for domestic flights within Turkey, you should aim to be at the airport a minimum of 90 minutes to two hours before your departure time. It takes 80 minutes to fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia (and vice versa) and you should allow 30-60 minutes for your transit time at the other side.

Not only will you spend all your day traveling, but a day is not enough time to even scratch the surface of all the things there are to do in Cappadocia. And since hot air balloon tours only set out very early in the morning for sunrise, you simply won’t be able to do one unless you spend the night.

Is Ephesus a day trip from Istanbul?

You can do Ephesus on a day trip from Istanbul but it’s a bit of a trek. It takes about 9 hours to get from Istanbul to Ephesus by bus!

You could fly from Istanbul to Izmir and then take a bus, a taxi or drive. But that’s still a lot of transit time in just one day.

The best way to visit the amazing Roman ruins is to spend a night or two close to Izmir. Then, you can explore Izmir and see Ephesus and Pamukkale while in the area.

Can you do a day trip to Pamukkale from Istanbul?

It is a little too far to travel to Pamukkale from Istanbul and then back again in the same day when traveling overland. You need to first take a train from Istanbul to Eskisehir.

Then, take a second train from Eskisehir to Denizli and finally, a bus from Denizli to Pamukkale. You can fly, however, which only takes an hour each way. Although this is not the most economical option.

Final thoughts on the best day trips to take from Istanbul

If you are short on time, you will probably only have the opportunity to do one or two Istanbul day trips on this list. The “best” ones are subjective and definitely depend on your personal interests and travel style.

But if you are overwhelmed, my personal recommendation would be to do a Bursa day trip. (The bursa is great for hiking and nature) and to sail out to the tranquil Princes islands.

If you are doing a wider Turkey itinerary, Konya is an underrated gem. And, of course, Cappadocia is a bucket-list travel experience.

Feel free to reach out to me if you need any further help planning your trip or tips on traveling as a solo woman in Turkey.

Safe travels! Melissa xo

highheelsandabackpack

Alice Cooper is a British Travel Writer and Blogger based in Athens, Greece. She writes for numerous high profile travel publications across the globe - including Forbes Travel Guide, Matador Network, The Times of Israel and The Huffington Post.

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